REDBOOK's beauty director tested three solutions to the dark-circle dilemma. Here's what worked — and what will work for you.

My mother taught me that an ounce of eye cream is worth a pound of cure. She started me with Estée Lauder Eyezone at the tender age of 14. But away at college without Mom's supervision, my devotion to eye care waned. After all, a good night's sleep remedied any under-eye issues — why should I worry? Flash-forward 15 years, and no amount of shut-eye can make the bags disappear. Here's what I found to hide — and to help — my circle situation.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What Causes Your Under-Eye Circles?

Any or all of the following components can result in under-eye circles, says David E. Bank, a dermatologist in Mt. Kisco, NY (and my personal laser-wielding circle-zapper).

1. Increased melanin. The surface of the skin can become darkened (with a brown hue) due either to sun damage or to genetic predisposition.2. Dilated blood vessels. A bluish hue underneath the eyes indicates that the vessels there have visibly widened to accommodate increased blood flow. Vasodilators include alcohol, lack of sleep, estrogen, and sun damage (wearing SPF helps!).3. Thinning of the skin. The reason you can see those vessels so well is that the skin under the eyes is very thin and can become thinner due to — what else? — sun damage!4. Puffiness. Under-eye fat pads and water retention can create shadows.